Nunamed 2016 Abstract
Presenters: Gitte Trondheim, MajbrittDidriksenRaal, Johann Neilsen, Zoe Watson and Elizabeth Rink
Title:PDG--A Multi-component Mixed-methods Study of the Dynamics of Pregnancy in Greenland: A Workshop on Preliminary Findings and Processes
Background: PDG--A Multi-component Mixed-methods Study of the Dynamics of Pregnancy in Greenland examines how decisions regarding conception, pregnancy and parenthood are shaped by multiple interacting constraints and influences in Kullorsuaq, an indigenous, predominantly youthful, northern community in Greenland undergoing economic and environmental changes. Methods: PDG is a community based participatory research study (CBPR). The study’s theoretical framework combines ecological systems theory with traditional knowledge to investigate the complexity of factors that create the context in which people in Kullorsuaq make reproductive decisions. Data collection strategies include semi structured in-depth interviews and ethnographic methods. Results: There are three overarching PDG findings. First, CBPR is an effective method to engage community members in the Arctic. Second, the positionality of the research team within the community creates a psycho-social-emotional relationship between research team members and community members. Third, reproductive health in Kullorsuaq is influenced by an interplay of cultural, social, economic, and environmental factors in the community as well as within the large context of Greenland’s political, social service, and health care system. Conclusions:Improving reproductive health outcomes in Kullorsuaq requires a multi-faceted approach. At an individual level culturally relevant sexual and reproductive health education and skill building that addresses communicating about sex, birth control and pregnancy with sex partners and within families and strategies for developing and maintaining healthy intimate relationships is need. At the family level interventions are required that support clear boundaries and expectations within families related to having and raising children. At the community level social norms grounded in pro-cultural beliefs and practices that promote respectful relationships between individuals, couples, and families are warranted. At a political systems level development in the infrastructure that establish culturally relevant educational, social and health care services that are based on the needs of people in Kullorsuaq and Greenlanders are necessary.
This workshop will include five presentations related to PDG. Each presentation will be 15 minutes with time for questions. Below is a brief description of the four presentations.
Presentation One: Gitte Trondheim and Elizabeth Rink will present an overview of PDG and the study’s preliminary findings.
Presentation Two: Zoe Watson will present findings on the interaction between nutrition, diet, exercise and food distribution systems with reproductive health among women in Kullorsuaq.
Presentation Three: Gitte Trondheim will discuss the positionality of research team members in relationship to community members and the psycho-social-emotional dynamics that evolve as result of conducting research on sensitive topics such as reproductive health.
Presentation Four: MajbrittDidricksenRaal and Elizabeth Rink will discuss semi-structure in depth interview strategies. Emphasis will be placed on how to approach conducting interviews in a small remote community on sensitive topics as well as how to work with community advisory boards to guide the research process.
Presentation Five: Johann Neilsen, a Kullorsuaq community member, will share his perspective on participating as an advisory board member for PDG and the strengths and the challenges of conducting CBPR in Kullorsuaq.